Rudy Galindo

Val Joe "Rudy" Galindo (born September 7, 1969 in San Jose, California) is a American figure skater. He skated pairs with Kristi Yamaguchi, winning the 1988 World Junior Championship and the U.S. senior championships in 1989 and 1990. He also won the 1987 World Junior Championship in singles before temporarily giving up on singles competition in order to concentrate on pairs. After his partnership with Yamaguchi broke up in 1990, Galindo returned to singles competition. In 1996, Galindo won the men's title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at the San Jose Arena in San Jose, becoming the oldest male to win this title in almost 50 years. Some people thought that his victory was a fluke since his best previous finish was 5th at the 1993 championships. He followed this unexpected win with a bronze medal at the 1996 World Championships.

Galindo retired from eligible competition in the summer of 1996. After being diagnosed as HIV positive and recovering from hip surgery, Rudy continues to tour with the Tom Collins' Champions on Ice show.

Galindo disclosed his homosexuality in Christine Brennan's book Inside Edge: A Revealing Journey Into the Secret World of Figure Skating, which was published shortly before he won his national title in 1996.

*Rudy-Galindo.com - Official website

Galindo, Rudy
Galindo, Rudy
Galindo, Rudy
Galindo, Rudy
Galindo, Rudy
Galindo, Rudy

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